The Supreme Court Collegium, in an emergency meeting on Thursday, decided to transfer Justice Yashwant Verma from the Delhi High Court back to the Allahabad High Court. The decision follows the discovery of a significant amount of unaccounted cash at his official bungalow.

The money was recovered after a fire broke out at Justice Verma’s residence on Tughlak Road. At the time of the incident, the judge was not in the city. His family members alerted the fire department and police. After extinguishing the fire, first responders discovered a large stash of cash inside a room, prompting an official inquiry.

Sources indicate that Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna took a serious view of the matter, leading to Justice Verma’s transfer. The Collegium, after receiving adverse reports—including one from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)—made the decision during its meeting on March 20. An in-house inquiry against the judge is also being considered.

Justice Verma was transferred to the Delhi High Court in October 2021. The fire incident occurred on March 14 at around 11:30 PM, prompting an emergency response from the Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police. During their operation, authorities reportedly found a huge pile of cash, which was subsequently reported to the MHA. The ministry then forwarded the information to the Chief Justice of India.

Amid the ongoing controversy, Justice Verma was absent from court proceedings on Friday. His staff informed that he would not be holding court for the day.

This incident recalls the Supreme Court’s 1999 guidelines on dealing with allegations of corruption and misconduct against judges of constitutional courts. As per these guidelines, if a complaint is received, the Chief Justice first seeks a response from the concerned judge. If the response is unsatisfactory or further investigation is deemed necessary, an internal committee is formed. Should the committee find the misconduct severe, it may recommend the judge’s resignation.